America: a historic land of freedom and wealth. This is a land where the people govern and where change is ever prevalent. This is a land where a simple pastor can spring monumental change. However, when this country was formed many of its founders were indeed slave owners and racists. This was the very racism that trapped African Americans in despair for almost 200 years. Freedom was finally obtained after years of civil disobedience spurred on and capped off by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. African Americans were able to celebrate a political victory after the election of President Barack Obama, further showing how far the United States has come in the realms of freedom. Martin Luther King and Barack Obama gave relevant and important speeches, however Dr. King’s speech is of greater importance.
When Martin Luther King gave his I Have A Dream Speech, black citizens were not allowed to dine in restaurants or drink the same water as whites. Through King’s speeches and actions, the slow process of changing the white mindset and bridging the race gap had begun. When Martin Luther King gave his I Have A Dream Speech, black citizens were not allowed to dine in restaurants or drink the same water. Through King’s speeches and actions, the slow process of changing the white mindset and bridging the race gap had begun. On top of his shivering speeches King led peaceful protests, which showed the world just how inhumanely his people were treated on a daily basis. The speech kicked off a movement that will be remembered with the same magnitude as the declaration of independence. It was a change needed to be made for two centuries.
While Barack Obama has overcome tremendous odds, there is no comparison between King and Obama. Obama being the first African American president makes him an influential and historical figure. In his “More Perfect Union” speech he talks about unity and change, similar to to Kings “I Have a Dream Speech”. Time will tell with Obama’s “More Perfect Union” speech. Obama discusses a wide range of topics including political reform and a vast majority of Americans know very little about the speech compared to Obama’s other speeches. It could be lost in the catacombs of time or be chiseled in stone next to the Lincoln Memorial.
In the time of Martin Luther King speaking out against government and law was considering being socially deviant. King started movements and even trained blacks on how to spur change. The general white public never supported King in his actions and even tried to confine them. King spent time in jail for his innocent actions, his followers were sprayed with a high-pressure fire hoses, were beaten and hung.
America always listened to Obama and respected his word. When Reverend Wright dug a big hole for our president. Obama had to respond to the comments that Wright made. Obamas speech while inspiring was an expectation and was needed to give on the basis of public conception. If Obama did not respond to Wright’s hatred then crowds would assume Obama felt the same way Wright did, hereby hurting Obamas Presidential hopes. Not to mention, I never heard of democrats being sprayed with fire hoses and beaten for supporting Obamas causes, like Kings supporters were. There was very little physical risk involved in Obamas speech. Without King, Obama could have never dreamed of being President.
Both speeches have significant relevance and include powerful suggestions on how to improve America. King has an unmatched throne in the kingdom of history right next to our founding fathers. Obama is on a path that could lead him into the same league as King, only time will tell. Maybe someday my kids will memorize Obama’s speeches just as I studied Kings speeches.
